Political tension has escalated significantly in Uttarakhand following allegations regarding the 'purification' of a stage after a public rally addressed by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge in Haldwani. The Congress leadership has issued a firm ultimatum to the state government, declaring that if a First Information Report (FIR) is not registered within two to three days, the party's central leadership will travel to Uttarakhand. Rahul Gandhi will lead the protest to surround the local police station in Haldwani.
Allegations of Discrimination and Escalating Demands
The controversy broke out after reports surfaced that the rally venue in Haldwani was subjected to a purification ritual following Kharge's event. Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned the incident, terming it an illegal act of untouchability and calling on the Prime Minister to direct the police to lodge an FIR against those responsible. Congress leaders asserted that the incident reflects a discriminatory mindset.
Senior Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Charanjit Singh Channi also criticized the event. Channi demanded strict action under the SC/ST Act against those involved. Furthermore, Congress stated that if BJP President JP Nadda's expression of regret is genuine, the party must immediately dismiss state chief Mahendra Bhatt.
BJP Counterattack and Chief Minister's Remarks
Hitting back at the Congress, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that no one in Uttarakhand was aware of Kharge's caste and accused the opposition of attempting to divide Hindus. BJP leaders asserted that members of the Dalit community actively participated in the ritual, dismissing allegations of untouchability as baseless.
Growing Local Tensions in Haldwani
The political clash has created noticeable tension on the ground in Haldwani. Local authorities rejected Congress's request to hold a silent fast at the Ramlila Ground, but party workers remain steadfast in their stance. If legal action is not initiated within the stipulated timeframe, the arrival of Rahul Gandhi for the police station protest is expected to turn this into a major national flashpoint.
